Sri Lanka Make Several Changes for 2nd Test vs India

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Sri Lanka Make Several Changes for 2nd Test vs India

Sri Lanka have made several squad changes ahead of the second Test against India in Colombo, with Nishan Madushka left out and Kamil Mishara and Sahan Arachchige added to the squad.

August 21, 2026 2nd Test SSC Ground, Colombo Aug 23–27
Sri Lanka make several changes for 2nd Test vs India in Colombo 2026
Squad Update

Sri Lanka Make Several Changes for 2nd Test vs India

Sri Lanka have announced a 14-member squad for the second Test against India, with changes made to the group ahead of the Colombo match.

Sri Lanka have made several changes to their squad for the second Test against India, which begins on August 23 at the SSC Ground in Colombo. The hosts have named a 14-member squad as they look to respond after losing the opening Test in Galle.

The most notable change is the omission of Nishan Madushka. In his place, Sri Lanka have included Kamil Mishara and Sahan Arachchige, giving the selectors additional options ahead of an important second Test.

Sri Lanka squad changes for the 2nd Test against India in Colombo 2026
Sri Lanka announce squad changes ahead of the second Test against India at SSC Colombo.
Sri Lanka 2nd Test Squad Changes
Change Player
Left Out Nishan Madushka
Added Kamil Mishara
Added Sahan Arachchige
Captain Dhananjaya de Silva
Vice-Captain Kamindu Mendis

The changes come at a difficult point for Sri Lanka, who trail the two-Test series 1-0. With the second Test approaching, the new squad options could influence the hosts’ final batting and all-round combination in Colombo.

New Additions

Kamil Mishara and Sahan Arachchige Added to Sri Lanka Squad

Sri Lanka have brought two uncapped Test players into the squad as they rebuild their combination for the Colombo Test.

Kamil Mishara and Sahan Arachchige have been added to Sri Lanka’s squad for the second Test against India. Mishara is a top-order batter, while Arachchige provides an additional batting all-round option. Neither player has made a Test appearance yet.

Mishara arrives with useful recent form. He scored a remarkable 145 from 72 balls in the Major Clubs T20 competition on the same day he received his Test call-up. Although that was a white-ball performance, it gives the selectors an indication of his current batting confidence.

Arachchige has also produced a notable recent performance. He scored 127 for Sri Lanka A in an unofficial Test against India A, making a strong impression while leading the side. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball could give Sri Lanka additional flexibility in Colombo.

Sri Lanka’s New Squad Additions
Player Role Recent Highlight
Kamil Mishara Top-order Batter 145 off 72 balls
Sahan Arachchige Batting All-rounder 127 for Sri Lanka A

Their inclusion gives Sri Lanka fresh options at a time when the batting department has been hit by multiple absences. The key question now is whether either player will go straight into the playing XI or remain among the reserves.

Squad Update

Nishan Madushka Left Out of Sri Lanka Squad

Nishan Madushka has been left out of Sri Lanka’s 14-member squad for the second Test against India in Colombo.

Nishan Madushka has been left out of Sri Lanka’s squad for the second Test against India. The change is part of the latest squad update announced ahead of the Colombo Test, with Sri Lanka naming a 14-member group for the match beginning on August 23.

Madushka’s omission adds another change to a Sri Lankan side already dealing with the unavailability of several established batters. Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal and Pathum Nissanka are also unavailable for the second Test, increasing the pressure on the selectors to find the right combination.

Sri Lanka have responded by bringing Kamil Mishara and Sahan Arachchige into the squad. Their inclusion gives the team additional options as Dhananjaya de Silva’s side looks to recover from the 165-run defeat in Galle and level the series.

Madushka Update

Status: Left out of the 14-member squad
Replacement Options: Kamil Mishara and Sahan Arachchige

Team News

Mendis and Chandimal Remain Unavailable for 2nd Test

Sri Lanka will again be without Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal when the second Test against India begins in Colombo.

Sri Lanka’s selection problems continue ahead of the second Test, with Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal unavailable for the Colombo match. Their absence leaves the hosts without two experienced options as they attempt to recover from the 165-run defeat in Galle.

Mendis is unavailable because of a hamstring injury, while Chandimal must complete the required recovery period after suffering a concussion. Pathum Nissanka is also unavailable as he continues his recovery from wrist surgery.

Sri Lanka Player Availability for 2nd Test
Player Status Reason
Kusal Mendis Unavailable Hamstring injury
Dinesh Chandimal Unavailable Concussion recovery
Pathum Nissanka Unavailable Wrist surgery recovery

These absences explain why Sri Lanka have turned to fresh options such as Kamil Mishara and Sahan Arachchige. The replacements will now have an opportunity to strengthen a batting unit that needs to produce a much better performance in Colombo.

Batting Update

Sri Lanka’s Batting Combination Under Pressure

Sri Lanka face a major batting selection challenge after losing several experienced options ahead of the Colombo Test.

Sri Lanka’s batting combination will be one of the biggest talking points before the second Test. The hosts are already without Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal and Pathum Nissanka, while Nishan Madushka has also been left out of the latest 14-member squad. That leaves Sri Lanka with several positions to reconsider before the match.

The inclusion of Kamil Mishara and Sahan Arachchige gives the selectors fresh options. Mishara can strengthen the top-order batting group, while Arachchige provides additional all-round flexibility. Their inclusion also creates an opportunity for younger players to make an immediate impact at Test level.

Sri Lanka Batting Selection Factors
Factor Impact
Experienced Batters Missing Major Concern
Kamil Mishara Added Fresh Top-Order Option
Sahan Arachchige Added Additional Batting Depth
Colombo Test Important Response Required

Sri Lanka’s priority will be to build partnerships and avoid the batting collapses that put them under pressure in Galle. A competitive first-innings total could give their bowlers a much better platform against India’s strong lineup.

Captaincy

Dhananjaya de Silva Continues as Sri Lanka Captain

Dhananjaya de Silva will continue to lead Sri Lanka as the hosts look to respond in the second Test against India.

Dhananjaya de Silva remains Sri Lanka’s captain for the second Test against India at the SSC Ground in Colombo. He will have a particularly important role with several experienced batters unavailable for the match.

With Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal and Pathum Nissanka unavailable, de Silva’s leadership and batting contribution become even more important. He will need to manage a reshaped batting order while finding a way to put pressure on India’s strong lineup.

Sri Lanka Leadership for the 2nd Test
Role Player
Captain Dhananjaya de Silva
Vice-Captain Kamindu Mendis

Sri Lanka need a strong response after the Galle defeat, and de Silva will be central to that effort both as captain and as an experienced member of the batting group.

Colombo Test

What Sri Lanka’s Squad Changes Mean for the Colombo Test

Sri Lanka face a must-win Test in Colombo after India’s dominant performance in the series opener.

Sri Lanka’s squad changes come at a critical point in the series. India lead 1-0 after winning the opening Test in Galle by 165 runs, meaning Sri Lanka must win the second and final Test at the SSC Ground in Colombo to level the series.

The changes give Sri Lanka fresh options, but they also underline the pressure on the hosts. Kamil Mishara and Sahan Arachchige have been brought into the squad as Sri Lanka deal with the absence of several experienced players. The new combination will need to settle quickly against an Indian side coming off a convincing victory.

Conditions could also influence Sri Lanka’s approach. Current reports suggest the SSC pitch may offer a relatively balanced contest rather than an extreme spin-friendly surface. That could give both teams opportunities with the bat while still bringing spinners into the game as the Test progresses.

Key Factors for the Colombo Test
Factor Potential Impact
Series Position Sri Lanka trail 0-1
Squad Changes Fresh options added
India’s Momentum 165-run win in Galle
SSC Pitch Expected to offer a balanced contest

For Sri Lanka, the immediate priority will be to convert the new squad options into a competitive playing XI and produce a much stronger performance than in Galle.

Series Update

India Enter Colombo With a 1-0 Series Lead

India’s opening-Test victory has put the visitors in control of the two-match series ahead of the Colombo contest.

India arrive in Colombo with a 1-0 lead after defeating Sri Lanka by 165 runs in the opening Test at Galle. The result gives Shubman Gill’s side a valuable advantage heading into the second and final match of the series.

India’s performance in Galle was built around contributions from several players. Devdutt Padikkal produced a standout batting performance, while Manav Suthar claimed 10 wickets to make a decisive impact with the ball.

Series Situation Before the 2nd Test
Team Series Position Requirement
India Lead 1-0 Avoid defeat to win series
Sri Lanka Trail 0-1 Win to level series

The pressure is therefore greater on Sri Lanka. India can use their first-Test momentum to play with greater freedom, while the hosts must find a way to turn their squad changes into a winning combination in Colombo.

Probable XI

Probable Sri Lanka XI for 2nd Test vs India

Sri Lanka could field a reshaped XI in Colombo after several changes to their squad ahead of the second Test.

Sri Lanka are expected to make changes to their playing combination after naming a revised 14-member squad. Kamil Mishara and Sahan Arachchige are now available for selection, while Nishan Madushka has been left out. Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal and Pathum Nissanka also remain unavailable.

The final combination will depend on the Colombo conditions and the selectors’ assessment of the batting balance. Arachchige could provide additional all-round depth, while Mishara is an option to strengthen the batting order.

Probable Sri Lanka Playing XI
Position Probable Player
Opener Dimuth Karunaratne
Top Order Kamil Mishara
Top Order Oshada Fernando
Middle Order Dhananjaya de Silva (c)
Middle Order Kamindu Mendis
All-rounder Sahan Arachchige
All-rounder Other squad option
Spinner Prabath Jayasuriya
Spinner Jeffrey Vandersay
Fast Bowler Asitha Fernando
Fast Bowler Vishwa Fernando

Important: This is a probable combination based on the latest squad news. Sri Lanka’s official playing XI should be confirmed after the toss.

FAQs

Sri Lanka vs India 2nd Test FAQs

Key questions about Sri Lanka’s latest squad changes ahead of the second Test against India in Colombo.

Sri Lanka have named a 14-member squad, with Nishan Madushka left out and Kamil Mishara and Sahan Arachchige added.

Kusal Mendis is unavailable with a hamstring injury, while Dinesh Chandimal is completing his concussion recovery period.

Kamil Mishara and Sahan Arachchige have been added to Sri Lanka’s 14-member squad for the Colombo Test.

Dhananjaya de Silva will continue as Sri Lanka’s captain, with Kamindu Mendis serving as vice-captain.

The second Test is scheduled for August 23 to 27, 2026, at the SSC Ground in Colombo.

India lead the two-Test series 1-0 after winning the opening Test in Galle by 165 runs.

Final Thoughts

Sri Lanka Make Several Changes for 2nd Test vs India: Final Thoughts

Sri Lanka have made important squad adjustments as they prepare for a must-win second Test in Colombo.

Sri Lanka’s latest squad changes show the pressure surrounding the second Test against India. With Nishan Madushka left out and Kamil Mishara and Sahan Arachchige added, the hosts have fresh options as they look to rebuild their combination.

The challenge remains significant. India lead the series 1-0 after their 165-run victory in Galle, while Sri Lanka are still without several experienced batters. The Colombo Test will therefore be a major test of the hosts’ new combination and their ability to respond on home soil.

Key Takeaway

Sri Lanka have strengthened their options, but they need an immediate improvement in batting and overall execution to level the series.

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